What is the Origin of Neurological Health Span?

This term is an extension of the broader concept of "health span," specifically applying it to the functional duration of the nervous system, drawing from gerontology and cognitive neuroscience. It shifts the focus from merely extending lifespan to maximizing the years of high-quality cognitive and emotional function. It underscores the vital link between hormonal health and brain aging.

What is the Mechanism of Neurological Health Span?

Maintaining a robust neurological health span involves several core processes, including sustained mitochondrial function to meet the brain's high energy demands and effective clearance of cellular debris via the glymphatic system. Hormones, particularly thyroid hormones and sex steroids, are neuroprotective and modulate synaptic plasticity, directly supporting cognitive reserve. Furthermore, chronic low-grade inflammation must be controlled, as it is a major driver of neurodegeneration.

Neurological Health Span

Meaning

The period of an individual’s life during which their cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall central nervous system integrity remain robust and free from debilitating neurological decline or disease. This metric is a key indicator of biological longevity and is highly dependent on factors like neurogenesis, synaptic health, and the effective management of oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Optimizing the neurological health span is a primary goal of advanced wellness protocols.